For four years now, we've asked our readers for their most stunning images of fall in Chester County. Every year, our contestants don’t disappoint!

These semifinalists’ shots capture the essence of the season in County Lines Country. In November, we’ll showcase each photo on Facebook.

To vote, just like us, then like your favorite photo. The photo with the most likes will win a $100 gift certificate to Wellington Square Bookshop! The winner will be announced on Facebook in late November.

A book may be entertainment. It may be a deep read that provokes thought and debate. It may be heartbreaking. It may be inspirational.

The gift of a book means that you’ve taken the time to select a title that will appeal to your friend or family member. It’s a way to say, “I know you” and appreciate who you are and what you love.

Here’s a selection of books to match with a range of readers on your holiday list.

The Essex Serpent

Sarah Perry || Literary Fiction

For fiction lovers, here’s Dickens with an edge. This novel is set on the sea in Essex, east of London, where “the serpent” has been reported. The author has an extraordinary ability to describe the lush and decay of the land and creates characters that appear to us out of the ether. Enjoy this combo love story and mystery—solemn and joyous at times, yet with moments that are shattering.

A Legacy of Spies

John LeCarre || Thriller

Peter Guillam, retired from the CIA, is called back to headquarters, where pending litigation is making people nervous. His superiors wish to discuss (interrogate him about?) an intelligence operation that took place during the Cold War. Acclaimed author John Le Carre takes us back to the Cold War (have we missed it?) and reacquaints us with George Smiley, an honorable man in a dishonorable age. Clearly, if you’re a Le Carre fan, then Smiley is one of your old friends. Enjoy the ride.

My Absolute Darling

Gabriel Tallent || New Author/Indie Pick

We seem to live in the time of people searching out sanctuaries—physical spaces where they might be shielded from chaos. New author Tallent brings us Turtle Alveston, a 14-year-old girl living with her dangerous, survivalist father in the Northern California forest. Turtle is lonely, tough, resourceful and increasingly wary of her father’s explosiveness. Finally, she must escape. In doing so she becomes a character rendered indelible in the reader’s memory.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI

David Grann || Nonfiction

David Grann, best-selling author of The Lost City of Z, has written a nonfiction narrative that revisits the tragic Osage murders—from the 1920s, when there were mysterious murders of Osage Native Americans. The Osage had become wealthy from the oil found on their land. The book reads like a mystery but has undertones of greed and racism. At the same time, J. Edgar Hoover was taking over the FBI, which played a key role in tracking down some of the killers.

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World

The Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu || Spirituality

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu came together to discuss something very important to them both—joy. Both winners of the Nobel Peace Prize, these spiritual icons are known for their infectious happiness. In the book, they examine their teachings, the science of joy and how joy has infused their own lives. Now in their later years, the two want to share with others. There’s likely someone on your list to share this with, too.

The Historic Barns of Southeastern Pennsylvania

Gregory Huber || Local Interest/Architecture

Beautifully photographed, the historic barns come alive in this interesting history of the architecture and preservation of barns built in this area between 1750 and 1900. This book, from Shiffer Publishing in Atglen, would make a lovely holiday gift for those who love this part of the country—whether they have their own barn or just dream of having one.

The Salt Line

Holly Goddard Jones || Science Fiction

On the surface, this dystopian nightmare is a horror story about ticks that carry a deadly disease outside the “salt line” that protects all who live within. As the story develops, another story is woven in—of greed and a conspiracy to blackmail wealthy individuals who have paid to venture beyond the salt line and experience the unknown and forbidden. The interplay of personalities, the enjambment of rich and destitute, and the excitement of the chase make this a fascinating read for fans of the genre.

The Home Cook

Alex Guarnaschelli || Cookbook

Guarnaschelli is an accomplished chef and author, as well as daughter of the key editor of the late-20th-century classic The Joy of Cooking. Here she introduces 300 recipes including Glazed Five-Spice Ribs, Roasted Eggplant Dip with Garlic Butter Naan, Roasted Beef Brisket with Pastrami Rub, Fennel and Orange Salad with Walnut Pesto, Quinoa Allspice Oatmeal Cookies, and Dark Chocolate Rum Pie. This book is a worthy descendant of that kitchen bible for many of us—and that those of a certain age still have in our pantry!

What to Say Next

Julie Buxbaum || Young Adult

Buxbaum’s first novel, Tell Me Three Things, earned her accolades and comparisons to Rainbow Rowell. This book focuses on an unlikely friendship that started when popular Kit Lowell decides, after her father’s death, to sit somewhere new at lunch, where she meets introverted David Drucker. As they get to know each other, they take on finding out the mysteries of her father’s car accident. A compelling young adult read.

Imagine

John Lennon || Children’s

For those who love this song and remember John, this beautifully illustrated children’s picture book will introduce your child to universal themes of love and peace—and perhaps fill you with nostalgia. Yoko Ono has written a lovely introduction.

Find the Wellington Square Bookshop on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter at WSBookshop. The Bookshop hosts a café, monthly fiction and nonfiction book clubs, author events with book signings and an Avid Reader podcast available on Podomatic. 549 Wellington Square, Eagleview Town Center, Exton. WellingtonSquareBooks.com.

The holiday season is approaching. Bells fill the air as the night closes in, darkening, but for the twinkling of tiny bulbs. Music emanates from the historic theater, grows louder along with the bustle and noise of the gathering crowd outside. The posters whisper: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, a fairy tale, centuries old …

The Beast? Once a rich, vain and arrogant prince, now hideously transformed by an enchantress for his brutish, condescending behavior. Angry and spiteful at his plight, alone in his castle, he can escape the curse only if he loves and is loved. The enchantress gave him 10 years.

Belle, the Beauty? Intelligent and adventurous, Belle goes to the Beast’s castle to trade places with Maurice, Belle’s absent-minded father, who was captured and imprisoned there. Later, Maurice will try to rally the town to free his daughter.

Then there’s Gaston, an egotistical and manipulative man-about-town, who wants Belle for his bride, but only for her looks.

As Belle finds herself falling for the Beast, and the Beast for her—with time running out on the Beast’s curse—Gaston jealously storms the castle. Gaston and the Beast duel to the death, but …

No spoilers here! You’ll have to see the show and find out for yourself.

This holiday season The Media Theatre tells a “tale as old as time.” Romantic, dramatic, humorous, wonderful for children and the whole family! The original Broadway production ran for over 13 years and was nominated for 9 Tony Awards.

You’ll love the music—classic songs, like “Be Our Guest,” written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with a few new songs created for the stage version. The play is directed and choreographed by Dan Dunn, with music directed by Ben Kapilow and played by a live orchestra. Alanna Smith plays Belle; Jay Yoder, The Beast.

Enjoy this perfect family treat!

If You Go:

Where: The Media Theatre, 104 E. State Street, Media

When: Through January 14th

Tickets: $30 and up, available online at MediaTheatre.org and by phoning 610-891-0100

What do a 9th century Arabic text, cross-dressing and Minecraft have in common? Why, this year’s Holiday Panto at People’s Light, of course!

Now entering its 14th year, these original madcap musicals have become an annual holiday tradition for residents of Chester County and beyond. This season, following the British theatrical tradition of using a familiar folktale as a loose outline for dazzling songs, dance, social commentary and comedy, People’s Light is putting their unique Panto spin on Aladdin.

In the not-so-far-away desert of Paolistein, Aladdin and his two friends—Manny the Monkey and Morris the Mantis—are budding video game designers with hopes of making better lives for themselves and their poor families, including Aladdin’s put-upon mother, the great Panto Dame Widow Twankey (played by a man).

Meanwhile, Princess Mai Tai is feeling the binds of royalty and yearns for life beyond the palace walls and the reach of her well-meaning but bumbling father, the Sultan (played by a woman). But Fu, the Sultan’s Royal Vizier and commercial real estate developer (or is he?), has his own evil plans to gain ultimate power.

When Mai Tai disguises herself as a man to escape the palace and discover what Fu is up to, she meets Aladdin, and both fight for their instantly forged love. There are encounters with wondrous treasures, a flying carpet, a mysterious ring and lamp, plus send-ups of West Side Story, Donkey Kong, Star Wars, Romeo and Juliet, Ninjago, Cyrano de Bergerac and our online and hyper-connected world.

The tale of Aladdin is no stranger to adaptations. For centuries, storytellers from India, Persia and China passed along the spoken tales of Scheherazade’s One Thousand and One Nights as they travelled along the Silk Road. The first written version of these tales was translated to Arabic around 850 A.D., but a more familiar written version of The Story of Aladdin and the Magical Lamp didn’t appear until 1704 in a French translation of Nights by Antoine Galland. It quickly gained popularity, exciting the European appetite for the mysterious and exotic. Once the panto genre was firmly established in Great Britain in the mid-1800s, Aladdin was one of the first tales used for this holiday variety show.

At People’s Light, we’re having great fun making this tradition our own. Audiences are encouraged to cheer the heroes and boo the villains, as well as dance on stage and sing along with the original musical numbers in the play. There’s plenty of slapstick, a “messy bit” with something gooey or wet, comic non-sequiturs, a “candy bit” where candy is thrown into the audience, satires of local events, and even a strangely affecting journey of personal discovery.

As a broad comic form relying on jokes and satire, the Panto is in a constant state of renewal and re-invention. Driving this Aladdin Panto are ideas of the ever-present and quickening turnover of information and technology, trends and memes, and how to find magic that’s fully human in our world of screens and mediated social interactions.

A Brandywine Christmas is a treasured holiday tradition at the Brandywine River Museum of Art, spanning almost five decades. Each year, visitors of all ages come to enjoy the Musuem decked out for the holidays, including the thousands of whimsical “Critter” ornaments displayed throughout the Museum and on towering trees soaring up through the three-story atrium.

Brandywine Critters are a unique tradition dating back to the Museum’s founding. These delightful, distinctive ornaments are handcrafted by volunteers using only natural materials such as teasel, pine cones, acorns, egg shells, flowers and seed pods.

Critter “ingredients” are collected and grown throughout the year with teasel being a main ingredient found in most Critters due to its easily sculpted and sturdy frame. For those who don’t know, teasel (or Dipsacus sylvestris) is found throughout the mid-Atlantic region in dry conditions, often in roadside patches.

With the aid of glue, tweezers and a lot of imagination, volunteers work year-round crafting Critters to decorate the Museum and sell to the public. Critters come in all shapes and sizes, from small animals—like reindeer, owls, bunnies, dogs—to elaborate and unique scenes featuring musicians, carolers, bicyclists and kayakers.

The inspiration for the Critters came soon after the Museum’s opening in 1971 when the late George A. “Frolic” Weymouth, founder and chairman of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art, asked two volunteers to decorate a “natural Christmas tree” for the Museum’s first holiday display that would complement the work of the Brandywine Conservancy. Natural materials were gathered in their raw state for decorating the tree.

The second year, additional volunteers were inspired to use natural materials to craft tiny Critter ornaments. The Critters grew in popularity—and size—and in 1984, Brandywine was asked to decorate the main Christmas tree at the White House. Over 3,000 Critter ornaments were created to decorate the White House Christmas tree, catapulting the Critters onto a national stage.

Since then, the Critter-maker team has grown to 130 volunteers, producing over 10,000 ornaments each year to display and sell at the annual Critter Sale on the first weekend of December. Proceeds benefit the Brandywine Volunteers’ Art Purchase Fund and Art Education and Programming, with more than $1.3 million raised to date.

Great holiday shopping, a spectacular parade and dining destination all year long.

You may have heard that Santa visited West Chester early this year with the gift of the Great American Main Street Award, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors. Presented last May by the National Main Street Center, this designation provides downtown West Chester with yet another reason to celebrate. The livability of the community is preserved through its historic and cultural heritage, while the downtown continues to transform itself into a shopping and dining destination.

Yes, it is the complete package!

West Chester continues to aspire to a higher standard with the opening of a new Visitors & Information Center at the corner of High & Chestnut Streets. This collaboration between the West Chester Business Improvement District and Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, among others, will make West Chester even more vital and attractive. The final touches are scheduled for mid-December, when the center should be up and running. Stop by and see for yourself.

Seasonal Celebrations

Mark you calendar now for holiday fun! The QVC West Chester Christmas Parade, downtown’s grandest parade, takes place Friday, December 1, starting at 7:15 p.m. Once again it promises to be the highlight of the winter holiday season with marching bands, cold air balloons and performance groups. Singer/songwriter Ashlee Keating will release a brand new song to kick-off the parade.

This year’s Holiday Village on High Street will offer some unique experiences. Visitors can look forward to very special photo opportunities in a human-sized Snow Globe sponsored by QVC and then head for the world’s largest Rocking Horse, courtesy of Wells Fargo Bank. Both stops make picture-perfect souvenirs for holiday memories.

Starting at 5 p.m., dozens of other events surround the parade, including complimentary hot chocolate from First Resource Bank. So come downtown early and immerse yourself in the glow of West Chester’s Christmas spirit—all presented by the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

During the rest of December, holiday carolers will be singing seasonal favorites at several locations throughout the downtown district. Check the West Chester Christmas page at DowntownWestChester.com for the best times to see—and hear—them.

Another fine tradition returns for its second year after its revival— the Chester County Historical Society Volunteer Organization’s Greens Sale & Holiday Crafts. The event offers a stunning array of beautiful and affordable locally handcrafted wreaths, ornaments, garlands and floral arrangements. And for the do-it-yourselfer, there are generous bags of greens and holly.

The Historical Society volunteers will also sell luminaria kits (no sand needed) that are reusable year after year. The sale runs December 8 & 9: on Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Chester County Historical Society, High & Chestnut Streets.

Shopping small is BIG

There are more than 150 small shops and restaurants that are independently owned by friends and neighbors in downtown West Chester. Since Thanksgiving weekend, #ShopSmallWC has been encouraging patrons to shop and eat locally, where our neighbors work.

In addition to your long-time favorite shops and boutiques, there are six retail shops new to the downtown retail district offering items you won’t see anywhere else.

For those looking for personal and home accessories to express their individuality, VK Veruzka’s Store (113 N. High St.) is intended to enrich your lifestyle with art, style, culture and creativity. Their pieces have a worldwide influence with items created by artisans from North and South America, Asia and Africa.

Searching for something serene? Tracey Wang Stuligross was born in China where her family owned a tea house, and from their business she became an expert in all aspects of tea—from selecting the best leaves, proper brewing techniques, and the connection between tea and the Zen approach to life. Tracy now brings her love and knowledge to West Chester with the opening of TranquiliTEA Temple (127 N. Church St.). Her shop offers tasting and a wide range of loose tea to bring comfort to a busy life.

When Bob Strehlau became the new owner of Bove Jewelers, he already had 15 years of experience with the now 88-year-old jewelry store. Even more notable, Bob’s family has been in the jewelry business since 1879! Yes, Bob knows jewelry. Whether it’s custom design or repair, Bove welcomes customers to their new West Chester location (113 W. Gay St.).

Walk into Modern Tribal Arts (148 W. Gay St.) and the first thing that hits you is the beauty and craftsmanship that only the highest quality luxury carpets can provide. Owner Adam Corson has developed strong relationships in the international hand-knotted rug industry. His carefully curated selection of rugs offer collections exclusive to Modern Tribal Arts such as Thibaut Van Renne, Wool and Silk Rugs, Sahar Carpets, Ariana Rugs and Paulig Teppiche. Find a magic carpet perfect for your home.

There’s no question that style thrives in West Chester. So why wouldn’t La Chic Boutique expand with a second location in the heart of downtown (14 W. Gay St.)? Owner Alysha Martinelli personally selects each designer item, from belts to dresses, to suit the desires of both working and trendy customers.

Looking for something that’s not just American made, but West Chester made? Despite rapid growth of Tesoro, co-owners Brittany Reed and Emily Pisano chose to stay in downtown West Chester, where they design and manufacture high quality leather goods. Better still, now they have a storefront (230 W. Market St.) where you can choose hand-made leather products that never go out of style. “We believe features such as a reversible option and removable/adjustable straps will take you from the boardroom to a cocktail party,” say Brit and Emily. “Style should never be sacrificed for functionality, and our bags prove that it’s possible.”

Family Fun

Yes, the Christmas parade is a top reason to visit West Chester for the holidays, but there are more things on the holiday fun list. The West Chester Railroad, which began running in 1858, presents Santa’s Express. This popular Chester Valley excursion runs through December. Check availability at WestChesterRR.net.

On Saturday, December 9 at 2 p.m., the wildly hilarious Story Pirates will collect audience members’ ideas for an impressive improv show that validates the power of human imagination! At Madeleine Wing Adler Theater (817 S. High St.). Information at DowntownWestChester.com.

And finally, what’s Christmas without a Charles Dickens holiday classic? A Christmas Carol comes to life as the Resident Theatre Company re-enacts a live 1940s radio broadcast complete with vintage commercials and live sound effects. Performances at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center (226 N. High St.), December 15–31.

Plan on an evening to remember with a special performance by The Resident Theatre Company and music by New Street Heat. Enjoy wonderful food, a raffle with diamond-themed items, an auction and toasting the New Year with specialty cocktails and champagne. Reserve your seats early—last year was sold out. Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, 226 N. High St., West Chester. 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. $175. 610-356-2787; UptownWestChester.org.

Kennett Symphony—Pops Goes The Holiday with Special Guest PhiladancoDecember 2

Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in this hilarious stage adaptation of the award-winning film. Unlikely hero Shrek and his sidekick Donkey set off to rescue the feisty Fiona, but there’s more to this Princess than meets the eye. Shrek the Musical is part fairy tale, part adventure and all fun. 1014 Delaware Ave., Wilmington. 2 p.m. $14–$15. 302-655-1014; DEChildrensTheatre.org.

Yuletide at WinterthurThrough January 7

“Treasures of Holidays Past” is this year’s theme—an exploration of holiday traditions of the late 1800s and early 20th-century in Henry Francis du Pont’s former home. The majestic Dried Flower Christmas Tree dominates the Conservatory and others will show how lights and ornaments changed through the years. Plus a tree celebrating the exhibit “Royal Splendor: The Coronation Gown from The Crown.” 5105 Kennett Pk., Winterthur, DE. Tues.–Sun., 10 to 5 p.m. $5–$20. 800-448-3883; Winterthur.org.

Winter offers the best views of the Arboretum and night sky. Take a fast-paced hike on moderate-to-steep trails to view a series of full moon supermoons--, which occur on Dec. 3, Jan. 2 and Jan. 31 (the 31st is a blue moon, the second full moon in one month!), around the time of the hikes. Suitable for teens and adults. Bring a flashlight and wear appropriate footwear. 515 Painter Rd., Media. 6 to 7:30 p.m. $20. 610-566-9134; TylerArboretum.org.

Pretty. Shiny. Sparkly. Expensive. We’ve all heard the standard advice for what women want for the holidays. But what about men?

Men’s tastes may be simpler, with fewer stipulations than for women. But getting them something they’ll truly love? That takes thought. Especially when the women who love them may not share the same dedicated passion for fly fishing or craft beer.

If you want to go the traditional route and upgrade your guy’s wardrobe, keep a couple things in mind.

“First and foremost, know their size,” says Jaime Weisbrot, owner of West Chester’s Phineas Gage. You should already know their style and preferences, so staying within those boundaries makes it more likely they’ll wear your gift.

“You don’t want to go too far from their current style,” notes Jaime. “Also have an idea of what they already have, so they don’t end up with a closet full of the same color.” Most men will appreciate your carefully chosen wardrobe additions—especially ones they didn’t have to shop for themselves.

And remember, comfort is key! Unlike women, few men will wear something uncomfortable, even if it looks great or is the latest style. So ditch all those scratchy fabrics and stiff silhouettes—regardless of how much you like them—for something a bit cozier and more relaxed.

In fact, combining comfort and function is a sure winner. “Guys love technical and functional items,” says Jaime. What’s better than fleece-lined tailgating shorts? Fleece-lined tailgating shorts with a bottle opener in the leg, of course! “Those were a big hit this fall,” she notes.

Don’t forget to stock up on tried-and-true stocking stuffers while you’re at it—fpatterned socks, shaving and hair products, and more.

Active Enthusiasts

Is your giftee the outdoorsy type who craves adventure and nature hikes?

Local specialty shops like Trail Creek Outfitters in Kennett Square are perfect for those wilderness-loving men. And it may surprise you just how much equipment those adventures require. Clothing, footwear, accessories, backpacks, sleeping bags, camping gear—you’re bound to find something durable and useful that he doesn’t have yet.

For fly-fishers and hunters, Orvis’s Downingtown location expands your options further with fly rods and reels, fishing and hunting gear, a huge selection of outdoor apparel and much more.

Although everyday runners may not need as much gear as your hardcore camper or fisherman, Chester County Running Company—with locations in West Chester and Pottstown—has more than just the basics for your giftee. If you don’t know their size for clothing or their favorite brand of shoes, go for accessories like watches, monitors, sunglasses, belts and water bottles that are always useful.

And if he’s a diehard sports fanatic who watches the game more than he plays, Rally House Exton has merch—including jerseys, hats, tees, scarves, drinkware and flags—for every local team imaginable, from the major leagues to his alma mater.

Collectors & Hobbyists

Maybe his hobbies are more on the creative or cerebral side. Is he an art lover, rare book collector or amateur musician? Or all three?

Somerville Manning Gallery in Greenville, DE is the place to go for the Wyeth-philes and art history buffs on your list. Their collection includes artists spanning the late 19th to 21st centuries—with all three generations of Wyeths—and relating to the Brandywine’s cultural heritage and tradition.

For rare, antique and used books, maps and prints, look no further than Baldwin’s Book Barn in West Chester. Our tip: get to know more about your bookworm’s collection before you go—that way the booksellers can guide you in the right direction.

If he’s been talking about taking up guitar or wants to expand his musical expertise, Taylor’s Music Store in West Chester has everything from quality instruments and sheet music, to lessons for seasoned players and beginners alike. And maybe you’ll get serenaded!

Beer & Spirits Lovers

Have a craft beer aficionado on your list? According to Michele Mazza of Crowded Castle Brewing Company, you’re in luck. “Honestly, beer lovers are very easy to please,” she jokes. “The gift giver just needs to decide a price limit and choose accordingly.”

And the choices are surprisingly extensive. From beer brand apparel like t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats to on-the-go growlers and always-welcome gift cards, you can find something personal or versatile, depending on the guy.

If he’s hardcore and has a kegerator of his own, “a really cool, unique gift is a beer tap handle from his favorite brewery,” notes Michele. Crowded Castle has plenty of options, as do the countless other breweries in our area.

Hard liquor connoisseurs make it easy for gift-givers, too. Local distilleries like Manatawny Still Works in Pottstown offer similar options and more—with apparel, glassware, limited edition craft spirits and sampler packs. They even have DIY rum and whiskey-aging kits and barrels for fans looking for the next level.

Guy Grooming

Women aren’t alone in wanting to look their best. Even the most low maintenance guy can appreciate a little pampering now and then.

“Most men will quickly loosen up once they’re treated to an old-fashioned straight razor shave and hot towel pampering,” says Sherry Varone of The Ultimate Shave in Glen Mills. And for the hardworking men in your life, there’s really no more relaxing gift than the ultimate grooming experience.

Precision haircut, invigorating scalp massage, superior shave and aromatherapy treatment are just some of the services The Ultimate Shave offers. And the complimentary beverage from their bar and popcorn while watching the game are, as Sherry says, “an added bonus.”

Some salons like newly opened Blue Label Men’s Grooming in Phoenixville even offer customizable memberships. Check in with them to see when this option is available. That option allows your guy to pick the services he prefers and how often he wants them. Truly a gift that keeps on giving!

What men want is as diverse as their interests, but if you know him well enough, the perfect gift is closer than you think. Shop local!

Join in the endless fun as area towns transform into winter wonderlands this holiday season. As holiday cheer fills the air, experience the unique character that each destination offers as you wander along the streets for shopping, sightseeing and more.

The holidays begin early this year in Malvern. On December 1st and 2nd, celebrate Malvern’s Victorian Christmas, highlighted by the lighting of the Christmas tree in Burke Park. Visit with Santa at the Pavilion, warm up to beautiful music by the Great Valley Symphony Orchestra at the First Baptist Church of Malvern starting at 6:55 p.m., and stroll King Street to visit shops, enjoy more music, children’s shows, carriage rides and more.

On Saturday morning, head back to King Street, taking in all that Malvern has to offer, for more shopping as you enjoy the holiday decorations and cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate on a free horse and carriage ride. To escape the cold, grab the kids and make a gingerbread house at the Malvern Bible Chapel.

The holiday fun continues with A Sugartown Christmas outside town. Explore this timeless nearby village and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions. Decorate cookies in the Carriage Museum and make Victorian-style ornaments to put on your own Christmas tree. End your day with a visit to Santa at the 1805 William Garrett House, complete with holiday treats and cocoa.

Santa Claus is comin’ to town! Yes, Santa will make his way to Wayne during the Wayne Business Association’s Annual Christmas in Wayne weekend with Friday, December 1st, as day one of the fun-filled weekend. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Radnor Fire Co., 121 S. Wayne Ave., for photos with reindeer, winter carriage rides, face painting and ornament making.

Stop by the Wayne Train Station to enjoy the Valley Forge Military Academy & College Choir as they sing carols. Hungry from all the fun? Sample hot chocolate and goodies at Wayne Senior Center, 108 Station Rd., from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Keep your eye out for Santa, though, he’ll be arriving for the tree lighting at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, head to the Santa Parade starting at 10 a.m. along Lancaster Avenue, ending at the Wayne Hotel. Meet with Santa on the Hotel’s veranda until 11:30 a.m. Mark your calendars for holiday fun!

Head south for Christmas in Kennett from November 26th to December 17th for never-ending holiday fun! Shop, dine and prance around town or stop by the Kennett Holiday Village Market at The Creamery, 401 Birch St., from 11 to 6 on December 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th.

Or you can catch a shuttle to A Longwood Christmas at … you know where, November 23rd through January 7, to experience indoor French-inspired displays dazzling with wreaths, mirrors, trees in holiday hues and sparkling crystal ornaments. Step outside in the gardens to a half-million lights and watch colorful fountains dance to holiday music. See Open Air Theatre Fountain Shows until 10 p.m. on December 31st.

And the fun continues. This New Year’s Eve, join the Mushroom Capital of the World for Midnight in the Square’s annual Mushroom Drop! There’s fun for the whole family—kids activities, guest DJs, live bands, laser show, food vendors in heated tents and more. Ranked #13 for “Weirdest things dropping on New Year’s Eve” by USA TODAY, the celebration starts at 6, followed by “Raising and Lighting” the 700-pound stainless steel mushroom between 7 and 8. Bring non-perishable food items to support Kennett Area Community Service to start the New Year right.

Celebrate Christmas in Phoenixville with the annual Christmas parade on December 1st. Starting at the 300 block of Bridge Street at 7 p.m., enjoy this hometown parade with friends and family, then head for the tree lighting at Renaissance Park.

On December 2nd, stop by Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church on Fairview Street for tickets to Phoenixville’s Candlelit Holiday Tour. From 3 to 7 p.m., tour beautiful homes, both historic and modern, as they showcase bedecked Christmas trees, twinkling lights and eye-catching decorations.

The following week, head back for Phoenixville’s 14th Annual Firebird Festival on December 9. The festivities begin at 3 p.m., complete with live music all day on Bridge and Main Streets. At 8:15 p.m., Friendship Field is the site for the annual burning of the Phoenix—in mythology, burning of the Phoenix symbolizes resurrection and renewal—just in time for the New Year!

Visit Downingtown to tour the 2nd Annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest. Enjoy festive decorations and blazing lights as houses around the borough compete for the grand prize. And the best part? You get to be the judge and vote for your favorite home! The competition runs from December 9th to the 22nd, with winners announced on the 23rd.

Weekend festivities continue with the annual Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 9th, at 3 p.m., on its route along Lancaster Avenue. Make sure to stay until the end to greet Santa and Mrs. Clause as they roll by on a big float, sure to put anyone in the Christmas spirit.

Two separate productions of this Christmas classic—The Nutcracker—are coming to Wilmington this month. On December 2nd and 3rd, the Wilmington Ballet Academy of the Dance will perform at the Playhouse on Rodney Square. This 51-year tradition includes a full orchestra and chorus, world-class principal dancers, young dancers and a one-horse open sleigh. Show times are Saturday, 2 & 7 p.m., and Sunday, 2 & 6 p.m. Admission: $15–$47. 1007 N. Market St.

Or join the First State Ballet, December 22nd and 23rd, on a magical journey in their production of The Nutcracker on the main stage at The Grand Opera House. Show times are 2 & 7 p.m. Admission: $15–$50. Copeland Hall, 818 N. Market St.

With so many chances to enjoy this holiday magic, there’s no excuse not to see at least one!